American Government: The Articles of Confederation

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Questions and Answers

What was the primary limitation of the power of the federation under the Articles of Confederation?

It could not create and borrow money

It could not declare war

It could not raise taxes (correct)

It could not conduct diplomacy

What was the main argument of the anti-Federalists against the proposed Constitution?

It would establish a monarchy

It would undermine the rights of the people (correct)

It would lead to a strong centralized government

It would weaken the power of the states

What did Hamilton argue was the result of a weak government?

Liberty and security

A stronger federal system

A confederacy of independent states

Despotism and tyranny (correct)

What was the main point of the analogy drawn by Madison and Hamilton in paper 18?

The weakness of ancient Greece's federal system Signup and view all the answers

What was the name given to the supporters of the Articles of Confederation?

Anti-Federalists Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary reason for the lack of strength and authority of the government under the Articles of Confederation?

It lacked a real center of gravity or executive power Signup and view all the answers

What was Hamilton's view of the relationship between government power and liberty?

A strong government is necessary to protect liberty Signup and view all the answers

What was the role of the Amphictyonic Council in ancient Greece?

It was a loose confederacy of republics Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary concern of the Greek city-states in a confederate system?

The risk of being dominated by stronger states Signup and view all the answers

What was the main advantage of a full and proper union, as opposed to a confederate system?

Weaker states would have equal rights and power Signup and view all the answers

What was Hamilton's main concern in the 'new science of government'?

The development of institutions to safeguard republics Signup and view all the answers

What was Madison's main concern about smaller republics?

They were more vulnerable to being taken over by factions Signup and view all the answers

What was the advantage of a very large republic, according to Madison?

It would be less vulnerable to factions Signup and view all the answers

What was the main cause of the Peloponnesian war, according to the text?

The dominance of stronger states over weaker ones Signup and view all the answers

What was the purpose of the mechanisms and institutions developed by Hamilton in the 'new science of government'?

To safeguard republics Signup and view all the answers

What was the main difference between a confederate system and a full and proper union, according to the text?

The distribution of power between states Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary concern of those who support strong central government?

Protection from violence and preserving property rights Signup and view all the answers

What is the main criticism of the libertarians' stance on government?

They resist an overpowering, high-taxing, welfare statist government Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of revisiting The Federalist Papers, according to the author?

To be reminded of the benefits of strong unions and the costs of secession Signup and view all the answers

What is the underlying cause of the divide in American politics, according to the passage?

Disagreement over state rights and central government power Signup and view all the answers

What is the benefit of a strong central government, according to the passage?

It ensures uniform regulations for commerce across states Signup and view all the answers

What is the implicit warning to modern-day secessionist movements from The Federalist Papers?

Strong unions have many benefits and secession has significant costs Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation

The Articles of Confederation did not give the federal government the power to raise taxes, build an army, or regulate commerce.
The federal government lacked strength and authority due to its dependence on cooperation among states.
There was no federal executive or judiciary, leading to a lack of central authority.

Federalist and Anti-Federalist Debate

Hamilton and Madison were referred to as "Federalists," while their opponents were called "Anti-Federalists."
The Anti-Federalists argued that a strong central government would lead to tyranny and opposed the Constitution.
Hamilton countered that a weak government would lead to despotism and that a strong central government is essential to the security of liberty.

Lessons from Ancient Greece

The Federalist Papers compared the Articles of Confederation to ancient Greece's federal system, which was weak and led to conflicts among city-states.
A strong central government is necessary to prevent conflicts and ensure unity among states.

Importance of Central Government

A strong central government provides benefits such as protection from violence, preservation of property rights, laws of contract, and uniform regulations for commerce.
A strong central government prevents dominant states from taking advantage of weaker states.

Mechanisms for a Stable Republic

Hamilton proposed mechanisms to safeguard republics, including separation of government, checks and balances, and popular representation.
A large republic is more difficult for a single group to dominate due to the numerous competing interests.

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Description

This quiz covers the powers and limitations of the federal government under the Articles of Confederation, including its ability to wage war, conduct diplomacy, and create a postal service, but lack of powers in taxation, commerce, and federal executive or judiciary.